Is there anything more frustrating than making a “kid-friendly” dessert, only to have your little one poke at it and declare it “weird”? I feel you. We’ve all been there, standing in the kitchen after a long day, hoping for one sweet moment of peace and empty plates.
That’s why I want to share our family’s secret weapon: Apple Crisp a la Mode Dessert. It’s the dessert that finally got my pickiest eater to ask for seconds. It’s warm, cozy, and feels like a hug in a bowl. Best of all, it’s so simple that you can make it happen even on a chaotic weeknight. If you love easy apple desserts, you might also enjoy this simple apple fritter bread.
This isn’t a fussy, complicated bake. It’s a humble, forgiving dish built on flavors everyone already loves: sweet apples, a crunchy oat topping, and a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. Let’s dig into how this classic can become your new go-to.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I’ve analyzed this more than I care to admit. Why does this work when so many other things don’t? First, it’s familiar. The components aren’t scary or mixed into one mysterious blob.
Kids can see the apples, the crumbly topping, and the ice cream. They have control. The warm and cold combo is also a huge win—it’s just fun to eat! Finally, that oat topping bakes up into a sweet, crunchy blanket that’s impossible to resist. It’s a texture and flavor profile similar to a cozy cinnamon apple bread.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I promise, no strange ingredients here. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now. That’s the beauty of it!
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-7 medium apples (I use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for perfect sweet-tart balance)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep the apples bright)
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- A pinch of salt
The Essential Finishing Touch:
Apple Crisp a la Mode Dessert Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Apple Crisp a la Mode Dessert Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting kids in the kitchen is a game-changer. When they help make it, they’re way more likely to try it. Here are two perfect jobs for little hands.
Job 1: The Topping Mixer. This is the best job! After I measure the dry ingredients for the oat topping into a bowl, I let my kids use their clean hands to squish in the cold butter cubes. They love feeling the mixture become crumbly. It’s a great sensory activity.
Job 2: The Apple Spicer. Once the sliced apples are in their big bowl, I let the kids sprinkle the sugar, flour, and cinnamon over them. Then, they can toss it all together (gently!) until the apples are coated. They feel like powerful little chefs.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. This recipe is very forgiving, so no stress allowed in this kitchen!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch or similar baking dish.
- Peel and slice your apples. I like them about 1/4-inch thick. Place them all in a large mixing bowl.
- To the apples, add the 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until every apple slice is nicely coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Now, make the magic topping. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Mix it well with a fork.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or two forks to mix until the butter is the size of small peas and the mixture looks crumbly. This is the fun part for the kids!
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling. Don’t press it down—let it stay loose and crumbly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is bubbly around the edges and the topping is a beautiful golden brown.
- Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This is important so no one burns their tongue! Then, scoop it into bowls and top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family has different tastes. Here’s how to tweak this recipe to make everyone happy.
For super sensitive kids, you can serve the components a bit separately. Put the warm apple crisp in a bowl, the ice cream on the side, and let them dip. Sometimes, that little bit of control makes all the difference.
For a nutty crunch, stir 1/3 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping before baking. I do this for the adults in my house!
If you have a berry lover, try mixing a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries in with the apples. It creates a gorgeous purple filling and adds a fun flavor twist.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This stores beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
Let any leftovers cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I just scoop a single serving into a microwave-safe bowl and warm it for 45-60 seconds. You can also reheat a larger portion, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. The topping stays wonderfully crisp!
Nutrition Notes
As a parent, I like to know what’s going into our treats. Here’s a simple breakdown per serving (without ice cream):
- Apples provide fiber and vitamin C.
- Oats add more fiber and whole grains.
- Using a mix of sugars lets you use a little less overall.
- You can swap in whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour for an extra nutrition boost.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
I don’t recommend it. Quick oats are cut smaller and will give you a mushier, less textured topping. Old-fashioned rolled oats give you that perfect, hearty crunch we all love.
My apples aren’t very juicy. What can I do?
No problem! If your apple mixture looks dry after tossing, just add 2-3 tablespoons of water or apple juice to the bowl before putting it in the baking dish. This will make sure you get that lovely, bubbly sauce.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour in both the filling and the topping. The recipe works exactly the same way.
So there you have it—our family’s favorite dessert that actually pleases the whole crowd. It’s the taste of fall, the solution to the “what’s for dessert?” groan, and a recipe you’ll come back to for years. If you’re looking for another fantastic apple treat to bake, these apple cinnamon rolls are always a special weekend hit.
It’s more than just food; it’s about creating a happy, sweet moment together at the end of a long day. That’s a win in my book. Now, go preheat that oven and get ready for some smiles.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater take a bite? What twists did you try? Please leave a comment and rating below!
